Just an observation: I’ve noticed other writing instruction authors/tutors that have criticized IEW as not being a good program. Wouldn’t that be the case if you want to sell your version of writing instruction? ;0)
I had the TWSS on the shelf for year’s before I could actually implement it. Once we started using the theme based writing lessons (everything planned out based on a theme,) we’ve done fine. Reason being, I didn’t take the time to utilize the successions in TWSS on my own.
If you need something to help you teach writing other than building on copywork, narration, studied dictation, and imparting your own understanding of the process, IEW is very helpful, if you use it. If not, send it back to them and get your money back to try something else. My bad habit in the past has been to assume something I’m not using is not working. That is not a faulty curriculum. That is a bad habit. 🙁 I’m embarrassed by the fact that I’ve had that mindset. But, it’s true. Because I couldn’t “see” how to implement it (read, wouldn’t take the time to put it into practice,) I thought it wasn’t a good fit because, truthfully, it would require more effort than I was willing to expend back then. I’m thankful that we began using the tbwl’s. They are manageable way for me to use IEW. Yes, after a year under my belt, I can “see” how I could use TWSS on my own, but I’m still willing to admit that I’m not willing to reinvent a wheel when I can buy one.
It also helped me “see” forward and backward with “curriculum guides.” If they work to keep us on track in a particular subject, I use them. If they e equipped me to “do my own thing,” I do that instead. I can see that my youngest especially may not use IEW because I’ll have gleaned enough of what I think is valuable from it and CM type / other writing suggestions that I’ll be able to ditch it and just help her learn to write through conversation and example.
Since you have it already, why not give it a deteined try to make certain whether you need something else, or not?
Hth,
Becca<><